India to see milder winter with fewer coldwave days: IMD
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India is likely to experience a warmer winter season with fewer coldwave days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Monday.
The forecast comes after the country recorded its second warmest November since 1901, with an average maximum temperature of 29.37°C—0.623°C above the typical seasonal norm of 28.75°C.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra revealed that minimum temperatures during the winter months of December 2024 to February 2025 are expected to remain above normal across most regions of the country. “This winter, the number of coldwave days is likely to be fewer than usual, with only two to four coldwave days expected compared to the average of five to six,” Mohapatra said.
While most of India is forecasted to experience above-average maximum temperatures, parts of South Peninsular India may see normal to slightly below-normal temperatures.
The IMD defines a coldwave based on specific criteria: the minimum temperature must fall below the 10th percentile of daily climatological values and stay under 15°C for at least three consecutive days. Typically, coldwave conditions are observed in regions like northwest, central, east, and northeast India.
This year, the reduced likelihood of coldwaves is attributed to the absence of significant western disturbances, which traditionally influence temperature drops during winter.
The milder winter outlook aligns with the trend of an unusually warm November, marking it as the second warmest in over a century. The findings reflect broader patterns of shifting weather conditions in the region, prompting adjustments to seasonal expectations.